Equipping providers with principles, knowledge and skills to successfully integrate behaviour change counselling into practice: a primary healthcare framework. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vallis, M.; Lee-Baggley, D.; Sampalli, T.; Ryer, A.; Ryan-Carson, S.; Kumanan, K.; Edwards, L.
• Is Part Of: Public health. Volume 154(2018)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Behaviour change -- Counselling -- Competency -- Communication skills -- Chronic disease; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.10.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3506

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: There is an urgent need for healthcare providers and healthcare systems to support productive interactions with patients that promote sustained health behaviour change in order to improve patient and population health outcomes. Behaviour change theories and interventions have been developed and evaluated in experimental contexts; however, most healthcare providers have little training, and therefore low confidence in, behaviour change counselling. Particularly important is how to integrate theory and method to support healthcare providers to engage in behaviour change counselling competently. In this article, we describe a general training model developed from theory, evidence, experience and stakeholder engagement. This model will set the stage for future evaluation research on training needed to achieve competency, sustainability of competency, as well as effectiveness/cost-effectiveness of training in supporting behaviour change. Design and Methods: A framework to support competency based training in behaviour change counselling is described in this article. This framework is designed to be integrative, sustainable, scalable and capable of being evaluated in follow-up studies. Results and Discussion: Effective training in behaviour change counselling is critical to meet the current and future healthcare needs of patients living with, or at risk of, chronic diseases. Increasing competency in establishing change-based relationships, assessing and promoting readiness to change, implementing behaviour modification and addressing psychosocial issues will be value added to the healthcare system. Highlights: Behaviour change has potential to reduce chronic disease onset and burden. Behaviour change counselling training is needed to achieve competence criteria. Most primary care providers have no training in behaviour change counselling. We present a framework for the development of behaviour change counselling skills. This framework has the potential to change provider and system interventions.